At The Gardens at Barry Road, we're always looking for ways to make the transition easier. Use these tips to have a heartfelt, productive conversation with your parent.

Pray Beforehand

Before you start the conversation, take a few minutes to center yourself. If faith is an important part of your life, pray for wisdom, compassion and patience. Connecting with God before a difficult discussion can help you maintain your composure and handle the situation with grace.

Have Your Discussion in an Appropriate Environment

A busy restaurant isn't the right place for a discussion about moving to assisted living. Your loved one deserves to have this conversation in a private place. If you don't want to meet at your parent's home, inquire about using an office or a meeting room at their local church. When you arrive, arrange the chairs so everyone is comfortable and capable of maintaining eye contact.

Acknowledge Your Loved One's Concerns

It's common for older adults to have some reservations about moving to an assisted living apartment. They may wonder about the quality of care available or worry they won't make new friends. Instead of brushing off these concerns, address them directly. Answer any questions they have about health care, transportation and community amenities. By the end of the conversation, your parent should feel confident in their decision to move.

Focus on Quality of Life

If your parent has a negative perception of senior care, they may not understand the benefits of moving to an assisted living community. Many communities maintain a full calendar of activities and social events, making it easier for residents to stay active and engaged. It's also common to offer transportation to medical appointments and arrange outings to local attractions.

The Gardens at Barry Road is in Kansas City, Missouri, so residents have access to a variety of local shops and restaurants. We offer cooking classes, salon services and other amenities to ensure your loved one never runs out of things to see and do. If your loved one has health concerns, they can also benefit from licensed nurse supervision, regular health assessments and medication management services.

This unique combination of services and amenities has the potential to improve your parent's quality of life. According to the Value of Assisted Living for America report released by Argentum, 91% of residents report feeling safer in their assisted living communities than they would if they lived on their own. Additionally, seniors tend to be less vulnerable after moving to assisted living than they were before.

Instead of focusing on what isn't working for your parent, position the move as a chance to get more enjoyment out of life. Remind them that moving to assisted living presents an opportunity to explore new interests and make lasting friendships.

Create a Shared Plan

Since loss of independence is a major concern for many seniors, do your best to avoid making decisions on your own and telling your parent what's going to happen. Use this discussion as an opportunity to create a shared plan — one that combines increased safety and comfort with as much independence as possible.

Ask plenty of questions to better understand your parent's goals and preferences. Here are a few to get you started:

• What activities are you interested in doing?
• Would you rather move to a community in a city or a suburban area?
• Is it important to you to have a courtyard, garden or other outdoor space to enjoy?
• How often do you want to leave your apartment to attend concerts, dine at local restaurants or enjoy other activities?

Give Your Loved One a Little Space

It's natural to be overwhelmed by all the information presented during this type of discussion. Instead of expecting your parent to make a decision immediately, give them plenty of time to consider their options. If they bring up any concerns, listen with an open mind. It may take several weeks before your parent is ready to schedule community visits or learn more about their assisted living options.

Incorporate Your Faith Into the Discussion

If the two of you share the same faith, start your discussion with a relevant Bible verse to help your parent understand your point of view. Deuteronomy 5:16 says, "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you." Let your parent know that discussing assisted living is a way to honor their needs and make sure they're safe in the years to come.

As the discussion continues, remember the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Express your love, treat your parent with kindness, be gentle with your suggestions and exercise self-control if you find yourself rushing the conversation or trying to make all the decisions.

If the two of you decide that assisted living is the best option, we'd be happy to show you around and answer any questions you have about our community.

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